MARTIN MURRAY keeps on track for vacant Commonwealth title shot

MARTIN MURRAY kept on track for his vacant Commonwealth title shot in July with a devastating performance in Sheffield.

MARTIN MURRAY kept on track for his vacant Commonwealth title shot in July with a devastating performance in Sheffield.

The now 19-0 St Helens middleweight destroyed Lee Noble in his own back yard at the Ponds Forge Arena on Friday night.

Murray took his frustrations out on the capable substitute after a proposed Commonwealth chance fell through late on, forcing Noble’s corner to throw in the towel before the start of the fourth round, the usually durable journeyman struggling to breathe after Murray targeted his ribs from the outset.

Not surprisingly, promoter Ricky Hatton was delighted with Murray’s display, as he added a seventh stoppage success to his exciting pro record.

Murray said: “It’s frustrating that the title chance didn’t come this time but I had a job to do in there. I’ve been promised the Commonwealth fight now in July and I can’t wait.”

l Mark Moran will take on Ireland’s Willie Casey in the opening round of Saturday’s Prizefighter Super-Bantamweight Tournament.

The ‘Dingle Dazzler’ was drawn against the 5-0 Limerick puncher by world darts champions Phil Taylor at Wembley yesterday.

Moran’s three-rounder will open the knockout series at York Hall live on Sky Sports on Saturday.

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The Editor

Alastair Machray

Alastair Machray was appointed editor of The Liverpool Echo in 2005 and is also editor-in-chief of Trinity Mirror Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. He is a former editor of The Daily Post (Wales and England) and editor-in-chief of the company's Welsh operations. Married dad-of-two and keen golfer Alastair is one of the longest-serving newspaper editors in the country. His titles have won numerous awards and spearheaded numerous successful campaigns.